Completed Specialized Stumpjumper 15 Alloy trail bike build leaning against a tree

Why I Chose the Stumpjumper 15 Alloy for My Trail Build

Every build starts with a question, and mine was blunt: could I put together a trail bike I’d actually trust on the descents, keep running for years, and not spend carbon-flagship money to get there? This series is the long answer, broken out from the full build video below into a few focused posts — I’ll walk through the suspension, the drivetrain, the routing that nearly broke me, and the final setup and weight. But before any of that, it’s worth explaining why I landed on this frame at all. Parts come and go. The frame is the one decision everything else has to live with. ...

July 8, 2026 · 7 min
Factor Ostro VAM V2 Build

Factor Ostro VAM V2 Build

The Factor Ostro VAM V2 is designed to be both lightweight and aerodynamic — a combination most bikes used to compromise on. I found this frame in almost new condition and built it up exactly the way I wanted. The build runs a mixed Shimano Ultegra/Dura-Ace Di2 12-speed groupset, a Quarq DFour power meter crankset, and BTLos Aerix Pro 52mm wheels with DT 350 hubs and Sapim CX-Ray spokes — coming in at around 1290 grams for the set. One detail I’m particularly happy with: a custom ASA 3D printed headset spacer I designed to match the Tavelo Avro integrated bar and stem setup. ...

April 9, 2026 · 1 min